More Bizarre Sightings @ MAGIC - American Apparel

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com This is a continuation of my trip to Vegas for the MAGIC show and some of the bizarre sightings. American Apparel - Thanks to Rubin for inviting back to his booth after meeting me and a friend in the bathrooms. I wont' even go there. Dick And Jane - underwear model. And his name was really Nelson Grande. And Nelson was one of the cutest boys and we talked for quite a while about his modeling assignments and what is the most bizarre thing he's seen in Vegas. Well let's just say what happens in Vegas SHOULD stay in Vegas. He had me laughing. Now what do you get when you combine a crazy sales rep from American Apparel and a Dick and Jane model, well this is what you get. And last but not least, end of the show. "Man"-equin down. hee hee. Hey you get slap happy after walking around for 4 days. Give us a call if you want to be part of the MAGIC, the next one is in February. And we are also writing on our experiences at the show. I actually have some educational blogs regarding MAGIC. But I have to cut loose once in a while. Enjoy!

Bizarre Sightings at MAGIC

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com Of course I have to share the bizarre, the weird and the eye-catching pics of the MAGIC show in Vegas last week. First of all, I stayed at the TRUMP hotel. Gorgeous and classy place. I highly recommend it. TV in the bathroom mirror, seriously cool. My own robe and the bed, was the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. Tattooed Steel - This not only had one of the coolest business cards I've seen, but was bent over hand-painting a model's body. Covering her in his latest design, Picasso-like but very young and edgy. He has taken his designs to the next level by etching them onto steel, on jewelry and I even saw a Ed Hardy sales rep sporting a steel cuff, but with Ed Hardy's name on it. Cont'd on next blog with more pics.

Starting a New Apparel Brand: How to's

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com This is the beginning of a series of blogs based on my trip to MAGIC, the premiere fashion apparel tradeshow. How many times have you thought of launching your own product or brand of clothing or even a new category? Want to be the next Ed Hardy? After my trip to Vegas, for the MAGIC , I attended a seminar, "Developing A New Brand: Roadmaps to Success" The panel consisted of several top industry pros and I'm paraphrasing from my notes. But what an eye-opening experience. I have been in the apparel industry since 1996. Mostly focusing on the graphic side i.e. designing team logos or graphics to be printed on the apparel directly. And most recently I am researching launching my own event apparel line including soccer, running, cycling. However, I have been branching out into private label development and various performance apparel for clients. And with sourcing from international companies, it has never been more easy to start. Quick notes from seminar: #1 Know your production cycle. How long is it going to take to make? Where are you buying? How long to ship? #2 PRICING If we knew this answer, we would all be rich. But you have to mark-up your items to include expenses, shipping and returns. #3 Trademark or patents: Yes this is just as important. It's hard to really say where your ideas originally started. We are all inspired by something if you were to admit it. But once you have a signature design. You have to protect it. #4 Financing - that's a whole other subject. But they discussed Mezzanine financing where your vendors may help you with pricing and not bill you until orders are in. Give us a call if you are thinking of launching your own apparel line, t-shirt line or have a new category idea. We have the contacts, we have the design experience and we are fun to work with.

NFL & Reebok design Maternity apparel

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com I just thought this was so cool. The NFL is well aware that the percentage of women who follow the sport is growing. The league recently expanded its apparel division for women, and this fall will unveil a line of maternity wear from Reebok being touted by Elisabeth Hasselbeck, co-host of "The View" (and wife of former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck), who in August gave birth to her third child. Read more about it at http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=111782 Call us if you're thinking about developing your own apparel line. The sky is the limit.

Presbyterian Hospital Charlotte Criterium

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com Presbyterian Hospital Charlotte Criterium on Saturday, August 8 at 5:30pm. Event: Presbyterian Hospital Charlotte Criterium "Over 75,000 dollars up for grabs" What: Sporting Event Host: City of Charlotte Start Time: Saturday, August 8 at 5:30pm End Time: Saturday, August 8 at 9:30pm Where: City Square To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below: http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=248221875321&mid=e1f61aG50ce3c01Gb00c4eG7